Atenção Pré-natal na Cidade de Pelotas - RS

Abstract

Objective To identify features of pre-natal assistance in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional study nested in a cohort with 2,741 mothers, interviewed in the nurseries of the city, between September 2002 and May 2003. The included patients answered a standard questionnaire which provided data referred to demographic and socioeconomic factors as well as prenatal and nurseries features. The analyzed outcome was either proper or improper prenatal according to the number of medical consultations, considered proper after having had six or more appointments. Results It was observed that 77% of the expectant mothers carried out six or more prenatal consultation, nevertheless there are failures in the achievement and management of prenatal assistance norms (MS Brazilian Ministry of Health), such as treatment of gynecological problems and educational orientation. Black or mixed race, expectant mothers, with lower income and schooling, as well as expectant mothers without partners and smokers, had a higher risk of not having a proper prenatal. Conclusions The results of the present study are consistent with the ones found in the literature, which present a care inversion. Patients with worse economic and schooling situation, present a higher risk of an improper prenatal and its consequences.